Transform Lives

Level 1 – ESMTT

Essential Somatics® Movement Teacher Training

Clinical Somatic Education Training

The Essential Somatics® Movement Teacher Training (ESMTT) is a 200-hour certification program in Somatic Movement that is based on the principles, movements, and concepts developed by Thomas Hanna and other somatic pioneers. This training is for anyone who has completed the ES Fundamentals Course and is passionate about teaching others.

The program has been updated for 2023, now combining powerful in person teaching with all the convenience of online learning. 

People are Looking For You

Get Certified So You Can Transform Lives

Having experienced Somatic Movement for yourself, some of you might be wondering – what’s next? If you’re anything like us, you’re desperate to tell everyone you know about what you’ve learned and how it might be able to help them too. This will definitely help to spread the word about this fabulous practice, but what if you want to do more? What if you want to transform lives in your corner of the world?

We want to train you to become a teacher so you can reach more people and be confident that you have the skills to clearly teach others how to benefit from this practice.

What Does the Course Include?

in person

Two in-person 4-day modules of training to learn how to teach groups

Online Learning

10 group sessions (2-3 hours each) including group practice

w

support

Regular mentoring sessions, including advice on clients

materials

A virtual learning platform including videos, audios and student manuals

coursework

Practice classes to complete as well as written assignments

Observation

Teach a class in front of others for the practical assessment

Why Become an ES® Movement Teacher?

This training will equip you with the skills to teach others. It will also invite you to dive deeper into understanding yourself by inviting you to slow down and pay attention. Challenge yourself and discover a realm of new and unexplored possibilities.

After successfully completing this training, you will be recognized as an Essential Somatics Movement Teacher (ESMT) and you will be certified to teach Essential Somatics Movement to individuals or groups. You will be part of a growing international community.

This course is the prerequisite to the CSE training, where you learn how to provide individual clinical sessions using specific hands-on techniques.

Application Process

STEP 1

Complete and submit the application form

STEP 2

Await confirmation and admission decision (reviewed on a rolling basis)

STEP 3

Once accepted, pay the deposit to secure your spot

Course Outline

Module 1

  • Concepts and principles of Somatic Education and ES Movement
  • Basic somatic movement patterns that resolve SMA, reduce functional muscular pain, and improve overall control and brain to muscle connection of full body movement
  • Basic neurophysiology and anatomy as it pertains to the three stress reflexes (as defined by Thomas Hanna)
  • Assessment of the three stress reflexes as it pertains to the teaching of ES Movements
  • Assessment of Sensory Motor Amnesia as it presents within the ten basic ES Movements
  • Safe teaching practices
  • Effective language cues to guide clients/students
  • How to create a basic ES Somatic Movement class

Module 2

  • Advanced Somatic Movement sequences that target specific muscle pain conditions and functional disorders.
  • Seated Somatic Movements
  • How to create an effective advanced Somatic Movement class
  • Sequencing Somatic Movements for optimum functionality
  • How to adapt or modify movements to address various limitations or conditions
  • Honing teaching skills through group practice teaching with peer and instructor feedback

Program Schedule

 

Online & Home Study

In between in person modules there are scheduled discussions and mentoring sessions that take place online. Click to view the full schedule to see all dates.

All online discussions are mandatory.

In-Person Modules

There are 2 in person modules spread over 5 months. Modules are 3-months apart.

Each day runs from 9:00 am – 6pm with a 90-minute lunch break.

IN PERSON MODULES

Denver, Co and Lindsay, ON

Denver Location
Arvada, Colorado
Lindsay Location
21 Victoria Avenue North
Lindsay, Ontario

 

^
March 9-12, 2023

Module 1

^
JUNE 8-11, 2023

Module 2

IN PERSON MODULES

York, UK

St Lawrence Community Hall
Lawrence Street
York, YO10 3WP, UK
^
March 9-12, 2023

Module 1

^
JUNE 8-11, 2023

Module 2

The Teaching Team

Each ESMTT has a main teacher and 2-3 mentors depending on group size. Teachers are chosen based on location.

Colorado, USA

Martha Peterson

Program Director

Letchworth, UK

Colm McDonnell

Lead Teacher – UK

New Jersey, USA

Gena Rho

Lead Teacher – USA

Pre-Application Checklist

Prerequisite training

  • Successful completion of an Essential Somatics® Fundamentals Course or Retreat

Required reading

  • Somatics: Reawakening the Mind's Control of Movement, Flexibility and Health by Thomas Hanna
  • Move Without Pain by Martha Peterson
  • The Body of Life by Thomas Hanna

Is this course for me?

  • Passionate about teaching somatic movement to groups or individuals?
  • Ready to deepen your somatic journey?
  • Looking for a career change or a way to diversify your income?

Becoming a Essential Somatics® Movement Teacher Will Transform Lives

It’s NEW and Officially Open for Applications!

Tuition Information

Investment

Full tuition costs $3,700 USD and the program takes 5 months to complete.

Payment Due Dates

You can pay tuition at any time before the due dates. If you need a payment plan in order to attend, please let us know in your application and we will contact you directly.

  • Within two weeks of being accepted: $600 deposit
  • February 11, 2023: tuition balance of $3,100 due

Late Payments

A fee may be charged for any late payments. Your tuition payments must be up to date in order to take part in this training.

Cancellation Policy

Conditions regarding cancellations and refunds can be found here.

More Questions? Check out the FAQs.